Data imprinting device for a camera

Abstract

A data imprinting device focusses light emitted from an array of LEDs onto the film, exposing the film as it is fed. A single chip microcomputer controls the LED array to imprint data. Some of the LEDs in the array are always energized together, while others are energized independently. The LEDs which are energized together require only a single control line, thus reducing the number of control lines, and consequently permitting reduction in the size of the camera. The group-wise serial activation of the dot matrix columns slightly staggers the imprinted data, but the imprinted characters are fully recognizable. In addition to reducing the number of control lines, the group-wise serial activation also reduces the peak load on the constant circuit, and thereby reduces the size of this circuit.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A data imprinting device for a camera comprising: a plurality of light emitting elements;   a control circuit;   said control circuit including means for producing plurality of control signals;   first means, responsive to one of said plurality of control signals, for controlling at least two of said plurality of light emitting elements;   said first means including at least two input terminals having coupled thereto a control lead;   second means, responsive to at least another of said plurality of control signals for controlling at least another of said plurality of light emitting elements, independently of said at least two of said plurality of light emitting elements whereby reduced control leads are provided; and   said second means including at least one further input terminal each having a further control lead coupled thereto.   
     
     
       2. A data imprinting device for a camera as recited in claim 1, including means for imaging light from said plurality of light emitting elements on a surface. 
     
     
       3. A data imprinting device for a camera as recited in claim 2, including: means for moving a film; and   wherein said plurality of control signals are synchronous with said moving of said film.   
     
     
       4. A data imprinting device for a camera as recited in claim 3 wherein: each of said plurality of control signals is electrical;   said control circuit includes a microprocessor;   each of said plurality of light emitting elements is a light emitting diode; and   said first means includes a light emitting diode drive circuit.   
     
     
       5. A data imprinting device for a camera comprising: a plurality of light emitting elements;   a control circuit;   said control circuit including means for producing a plurality of control signals;   first means, responsive to one of said plurality of control signals, for controlling at least two of said plurality of light emitting elements; and   second means, responsive to at least another of said plurality of control signals for controlling at least another of said plurality of light emitting elements, independently of said at least two of said plurality of light emitting elements; and   said control circuit including means for producing a timing of controlling of said at least two of said plurality of light emitting elements at a time non-overlapping with controlling of said at least another of said plurality of light emitting elements, whereby reduced control leads, and reduced peak power demands are provided.   
     
     
       6. A data imprinting device for a camera as recited in claim 5, including means for imaging light from said plurality of light emitting elements on a surface.   
     
     
       7. A data imprinting device for a camera as recited in claim 6, including means for moving a film; and wherein said plurality of control signals are synchronous with said moving of said film.   
     
     
       8. A data imprinting device for a camera as recited in claim 7, wherein: said first means includes at least two input terminals having coupled thereto a control lead; and   said second means includes at least one further input terminal each having a further control lead coupled thereto.   
     
     
       9. A data imprinting device for a camera as recited in claim 8 wherein: each of said plurality of control signals is electrical;   said control circuit includes a microprocessor;   each of said plurality of light emitting elements is a light emitting diode; and   said first means includes a light emitting diode drive circuit.